Living in Dhaka

IT is surprising to note that degree certificates issued by at least eighteen private universities are not recognised by authorities concerned. It is difficult to accept such a situation when enough success stories are dished out very often.

Around half a million Bangladeshis visit India for medical treatment there as per media reports. But they are being subjected to untold miseries due to recent demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes. We also come to know from media reports that world class medicare services are available in the country particularly during opening of hospitals and clinics.

Corruption of Vice-Chancellors comes out in the public through his university colleagues resulting in stoppage of classes and demonstration by aggrieved students.

World tourism year is observed in the country but unfortunately minimum tourism facilities are not available. It takes at least 2-3 hours to travel from Dhaka Airport to Sonargaon Hotel by car, taxi or microbus although the distance is only 15 kilometres. There are no taxi services available. Neither the CNG-driven auto-rickshaw nor taxi cabs are willing to take passengers with metres on. Tourists will have their first experience of corruption in the country. Public toilets are almost non-existent and are too dirty to describe.

Question papers of various public examinations are often leaked and the offenders often escape punishment.

More than a year has passed since Dhaka City was divided into North and South City Corporations. But very little has been done for disposal of domestic waste. The footpaths continue to be occupied by hawkers and make-shift shops and establishments. No room for pedestrians to walk.

A staggering amount of more than Tk 1000 billion accounts for non-performing loans in both public and private banks.

There are hundreds of stories like this that depict a pitiable condition in the country. I am an old man and I cannot take it any more. Let us hope for a better Bangladesh.

Editor : A.H.M Moazzem Hossain

Published by the Editor for International Publications Limited from Tropicana Tower (4th floor), 45, Topkhana Road, GPO Box : 2526 Dhaka- 1000 and printed by him from City Publishing House Ltd., 1 RK Mission Road, Dhaka-1000.